Assassin's Creed IV has the 'most varied world ever seen in an AC game'

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is the 'perfect series to bring piracy to games'.

The new game, which launches on November 1st this year for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U and probably the next Xbox, too, has been subject to spoilers and leaks all week – some by the publisher itself.

But there are some interesting elements still not subject to spoilers that was revealed at a London event last week. The presentation featured multiple trailers, game characters and locations. There was even a slightly-too-long opening monologue about Assassin's Creed from actor Ralph Ineson (that's Finch from The Office to you and I).

So yes, Assassin's Creed IV is a pirate game. But there are no peg legs, walking the plank or talking parrots. There's not even a 'yarr'. Ubisoft Montreal, and its eight (count them) support studios have tried to create a realistic pirate title, featuring real icons such as Charles Vane and the legendary Blackbeard.

The firm says it the first 'authentic' pirate experience. Monkey Island and LEGO Pirates of the Carribean this is not.

“With the new hero and new setting we are creating the boldest and most unique Assassin’s Creed game yet, while still respecting the pillars of the franchise that have made it such a fan favorite,” said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot.

“Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is based on a true, harsh and exciting part of a legendary era and will thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike.”

It's an open-world title, too. And the developer promises seamless transitions throughout the game, from jungle to ruins to towns and from ship-to-ship. Players can even dive underwater to find buried treasure.

Although naval combat plays a significant role, there's plenty to do on land in what Ubisoft has dubbed the 'most varied Assassin's Creed ever', with jungles to explore, ruins to discover and targets to hunt down throughout the towns at the Caribbean location.

There are 50 different areas to explore in total. Check the screens below.

You can also customise your ship, and this will be crucial to reach areas of the game. Yes it is a fully explorable open world, but without the right firepower you'll never beat the ships to access other corners of the map.

The game actually predates Assassin's Creed III as you play as Edward Kenway, the grandfather to Assassin's Creed III's protagonist Connor.

Graphically it looked impressive, and the pirate setting should make for interesting marketing executions. Assassin's Creed III has sold just shy of 1m units in the UK, so this is one game to look out for when it arrives in November.

Meanwhile, Sony and Ubisoft have teamed up for the game. Those who purchase Black Flag on PS3 or PS4 can download 60 minutes of extra gameplay after the game’s launch.

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